Molecular Ecology Laboratory Facilities

The SWFSC moved the Molecular Ecology Laboratories to a new building in mid 2008, with completely new lab facilities. We have 2500 sq ft. of laboratories, divided into pre-PCR, post-PCR genetics labs, genetics equipment, life history/physiology, chemistry, ancient DNA, clean room, “freezer farm”, and general labs, plus our walk-in freezer for the genetics tissue archive.

Our state-of-the-art genetics labs focus primarily on DNA extraction from tissue, using robotic high-throughput systems, followed by genetic analysis of amplified DNA segments for DNA sequencing and microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping.

Fluorescent imaging system (Alphaimager)	The Q-PCR machines allow simultaneous detection and quantification of DNA fragments.
PCR thermocyclers used to amplify PCR products.	Electrophoresis equipment
Robotic liquid handling system	Automated DNA fragment detection instruments that allow us to analyze DNA sequences and microsatellites.